Le Petit shakes ėThe Apple Tree' Christmas in July for theatre lovers Music and baseball mix for musical homerun

Thursday

Jun 23, 2005 at 12:01 AM

Usually, the only music heard at a baseball game is "The Star Spangled Banner" before the starting pitch. But this summer, the children of the Thibodaux Playhouse turn baseball and summer fun into a musical extravaganza.

With girls sassily strutting around the stage in baseball hats, it's hard not to be mesmerized by the toe-tapping lyrics sung by children from Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

"Acting so tough, acting so cool. Maybe it's time you go back to school," the girls sing as they prance up to the boys on stage.

The singing may be upbeat, but as the boys and girls act out the drama, emotions run high as the actors and actresses battle it out for the rights of who should be allowed to which position on the baseball team.

The battle of the sexes rages as they argue over who is better at playing baseball -- boys or girls.

Shortstop is the coveted position of the game, as it's the one traditionally held by Spike, who is challenged by would-be shortstop Michelle Mantle -- also known as Mickie.

The coach decides to allow the team to decide who plays that spot. The boys vote for Spike and the girls root for Mickie.

"Through voting on the position, they learn to become a team," said Chuck Abbott, the play's director.

Kami Ellender, a ninth-grader at Vandebilt Catholic, plays the part of Mickie and said that her favorite scene is when two of her teammates lift her up on their shoulders. The fourth-year veteran of the Thibodaux Playhouse children's summer musical said it's a summertime favorite for her and not something she would readily miss.

During the eight musical numbers in the play, the youngsters move all over the stage dancing to choreography that Abbott describes as "spectacular."

The 38 cast members ranging in age from 7 to 15 dance, sing and act their way through about an hour and a half of entertainment.

Abbott said the musical is somewhat religious in nature and reminds the players that by enlisting the help of God, they can accomplish anything.

"With God on their side, they can be winners whether they win or lose the game," Abbott said. "You are a winner if you just try, if you compete well. It is built on faith and not necessarily just talent."

Dayla Rich, a 9-year-old from Thibodaux, plays the part of pitcher and said she loves baseball and enjoys acting, making the summer musical a perfect fit.

"It is fun performing in front of everyone," Rich said. "Everyone is a star."

Emilie Hebert is a 9-year-old who is one of the "bleacher people," the chorus for the play and said her favorite song is the "Hot Dog Song," in which the girls ridicule the boys, calling them hot dogs.

"I have always wanted to be in a play," said the first-time actress. "I am so excited about performing in front of people."